The R231 Mercedes SL has been with us for about three years, and I have to say that it hasn’t grown on me at all. Neither the exterior nor interior aesthetics do anything for me. Having said that, I think the previous generation SL, the R230, is one of the best looking cars Mercedes has ever made.
Released in the U.S. market in 2003, the R230 spanned a relatively short production life for a Mercedes SL. Its predecessor, the R129, was produced for twelve years, and the R107 lasted for eighteen years. The R230 received a debatably successful facelift in 2009, which gave the previously rounded front fascia a more rigid appearance, and tweaked a few stylistic details both on the interior and exterior to give the car a more aggressive appearance. The facelift divided many Mercedes enthusiasts, but the general consensus was that the R230 was still a beautiful car.
Today I’d like to go over some of the details on this very attractive 2012 SL550. 2012 was the last year of production for the R230 SL, which was offered in three derivations for the U.S. market; the SL550, and the AMG-tuned SL63 and SL65 models. Not many AMG SL’s were sold in 2012, but there doesn’t appear to be a shortage of final year SL550’s. This particular one is finished in my favorite color combo of black on tan, and appears to be in great shape. With only 17,000 miles, this is about as close as you can get to picking up a brand new R230 generation SL.
Click for details:Â 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL550 on eBay
Year: 2012
Model:Â SL550
Engine: 5.5 liter V8
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Mileage: 17,983 mi
Price: $53,980 Buy It Now
Vehicle Details:
Miles: 17,983
Ext. Color: Black
Vin: WDBSK7BA5CF169352
Int. Color: N/AVehicle Features:
5.5L V8 Engine
Automatic Transmission
Heated And Ventilated Seats
Power Seats w/ Memory
Power Hard Top
Moonroof
Leather And Wood Steering Wheel Trim
Cruise Control
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Harman/Kardon Audio
Navigation System
Automatic Climate Control
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Power Exterior Mirrors
Xenon HID Headlights
Alloy Wheels
One Key
No Floormats
No Books
Judging from the history report, this car appears to have lived its entire life in Texas, so I wouldn’t imagine it’s ever been subjected to violent winter weather. The lackluster description seems to indicate that the car comes with no floor mats, one key, and no books. I certainly wouldn’t want to pay $54K for a car that didn’t even come with any books or floor mats, but that’s me. The good news is that you can probably find out which dealer serviced the car and have them fax you a complete service history. If you aren’t a fan of the current SL, but want a nice luxury roadster for the upcoming summer, this would be a great car to consider. You’d save yourself some money, would have one of the last R230’s, and can probably get a Mercedes CPO warranty on it.
-Andy (Cap’n Clean)
Very nice car bit I’d be completely turned off the dealer and their attitude re: the key, mats, and books. Really, for $53k you can’t be bothered to equip the car with another key, mats, and a set of books without me having to ask for it as part of the deal? It’s not a $1000 Grand Am. I know I could easily source those items myself but I wouldn’t want to, they should just be there. Makes me wonder what else isn’t there.